Q:Despite my best efforts, I cannot make two ends meet. My wages cannot pay the rent, light bills, cable, food, clothes and school fees for two teenaged boys.

I was only paying the minimum payment on the credit card bill. I do not want to sell my body or have a relationship just for the money because that is how I got the last boy. Therefore, what I do is take small things from the work place. However, in the last couple of months, I have joined with another co-worker in a scheme to divert some clients away from my company. We charge them less than the company would and this activity has greatly helped to make ends meet. Do you feel that the clients might 'buss' on us?

- D.W.

A: In these challenging economic times, it will be difficult to make ends meet on one salary with two boys at secondary school level. Your options are either to cut your expenses or increase your income.

There are some expenses that you can cut. For example, cable service is not a necessity. By cutting your cable service you could be saving a couple thousand dollars. And, instead of watching cable television you could spend family time reading and playing indoor and outdoor games.

There are also some energy saving tips. You need to monitor the big users of electricity such as ironing, electric water heater and refrigerators. Use them less frequently.

Downsizing

In addition when you shop, do so with a list after you have decided exactly what you are going to eat for the week. You might have to consider moving into a less expensive community and also a smaller place. Obviously, you will not be able to buy new clothes as often and will have to mend the old ones. You need to explain to your teenage boys that you cannot afford name-brand clothes and that they are not less than others because they wear generic stuff.

Paying minimum payments on credit cards over an extended period is dangerous because the interest rates are very high and may suck you into indebtedness.

In addition, please approach the guidance counsellor or principal at the boys' school and explain the financial difficulties. Sometimes, some of the school fees can be waived.

Unhealthy arrangement

The other option is to increase your income. You have found another income stream albeit it has its problems. It is not a good idea to pilfer from the workplace because you could be fired from the job. It would make your economic situation worse. You might find it harder than usual to find employment elsewhere if they know you were fired for stealing at the workplace.

You have enhanced your chances of getting caught because another worker is now involved as well as the company's clients. Whenever one person in this unhealthy arrangement is dissatisfied, someone might spill the beans and you might even end up in prison. That would lead to suffering and shame for you and your children. I would suggest that you cease the activity and instead talk with your employers about your financial difficulties to ascertain if they could increase your wages or find additional work for you.

It is always better to earn honest bread and try to live within your means.

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